Dynamic Journeys of Co-Creation & Stakeholder Engagement in the INCREASE Workshop

INCREASE is really all about people coming together, not just new tech. At our latest demo-site swap, we rolled up our sleeves, shared stories, and got stuck into hands‑on sessions that showed just how lively and collaborative our engagement can be. 

A Four-Phase Journey of Co-Creation 

From the very start, we brought everyone to the table—engineers, architects, and everyday users alike—to explore needs, surface challenges, co‑ideate, and dream big together. That initial burst of creativity set the stage for planning our real‑world PV demos and continues to fuel a vibrant exchange of ideas. Now, in the co‑design phase, those early concepts are transforming into concrete, user‑focused solutions ready for testing in 2026, as stakeholders lend their insights to perfect each detail. 

INCREASE co-creation approach

As ideas merge with action, the co-implementation stage will invite stakeholders to work side-by-side with the project team, building the awareness and capacity needed for harnessing all the benefits of integrated PV. Lastly, the co-assessment phase will be an opportunity to celebrate achievements, gather valuable lessons, and lay the foundation for enduring impact. By

 how stakeholders perceive and evaluate PV solutions, we create a feedback loop to refine future innovations.

At the first knowledge exchange workshop, our demo sites shared a wide array of examples of engaging local stakeholders into the co-ideation and co-design process. 

Latest technological improvements in the world of solar roofs: Workshop in Lausanne, Switzerland 

A dynamic summit in Lausanne brought together architects, policymakers, engineers, and homeowners to explore the latest solar‑roof innovations. Provocative academic presentations and fresh insights from local architects energized 120 passionate attendees. While the large audience limited one‑on‑one conversations, the workshop nonetheless succeeded in significantly raising awareness of integrated PV technologies. 

Workshops in Avila, Spain reveal the power of open dialogue 

In Avila, two workshops were held in late March and early April, focusing on stakeholder engagement around the BIPV solution and the local demonstration site of the INCREASE project. Participants were introduced to the technology, visited a local factory, and explored a real-life use case at the Catholic University of Avila. The sessions included open discussions, which proved far more engaging and insightful than written surveys, allowing participants—from professional architects to students and citizens—to share their feedback freely. This diverse input offered valuable perspectives and highlighted the importance of adapting engagement formats to suit different audiences for more effective knowledge exchange. 

Interactive workshops spark new collaborations in Villars, Switzerland 

In a more intimate setting, around 50 stakeholders gathered in Villars, Switzerland, for an immersive session on solar roofs. The event featured dynamic presentations by local experts, including a representative from the Commune of Gryon, which also hosts one of the INCREASE demonstrations. An interactive format fostered deep connections and sparked new collaborations, showcasing the power of targeted dialogue. 

Trade fair in Gilly-sur-Isère, France, helped attendees connect with the technology 

By taking part in a community event organised by Altema – a well-known distributor of construction solutions in France – the INCREASE project was able to engage directly with roofers and local builders. Presenting BIPV solutions in the informal setting of a mini trade fair increased visibility and helped attendees connect with the technology in a practical, accessible way. A small mock-up of the solar roof solution was also installed at an Altema store, and staff received hands-on training to enable them to introduce the product knowledgeably to their customers. 

Stakeholder engagement nurtured community relationships in Tartu, Estonia 

Creative family-oriented activities at the Hansa School’s annual family day in Tartu, Estonia, encouraged community brainstorming around the school’s future greenhouse made of integrated PV glass. At the same time, a high-energy two-day hackathon with landscape architecture students generated practicable design ideas for blending the PV greenhouse into the surrounding landscape. The two events highlighted the value of diverse formats. They nurtured community relationships, provided hands-on learning experiences, and engaged future professionals, setting the stage for groundbreaking innovations in green energy and construction solutions. 

Lessons in Collaboration 

The workshop underscored that while co-creation is inherently exciting, the heartbeat of success lies in robust communication and coordinated action. Here are the standout lessons: 

Intimate events foster deeper discussions and genuine connections, offering a counterbalance to large-scale engagements. 

Integrating our outreach into pre-existing events not only reduces costs but also enhances authenticity and engagement with local communities. 

Hands-on sessions and live mock-ups demystify new technologies and build trust among stakeholders. 

Involving participants in shaping the event formats ensures that technical content is both accessible and inspiring. 

Involving stakeholders in the design phase helps create better solutions that meet user needs and incorporate the best knowledge from experts. 

Energy and insights emerging from the recent knowledge exchange workshop are driving INCREASE forward. As the project moves deeper into the co‑design phase, these lessons will guide upcoming events and offer demo sites practical tips for organising stakeholder engagement.